Course overview
This apprenticeship combines theoretical learning with practical experience, giving learners a comprehensive understanding of financial management principles and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in this dynamic field. On completion of the apprenticeship, learners gain a BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance Management Degree, and exemptions from professional body exams.
Apprentices actively apply what they have learned in the workplace, completing a portfolio to showcase the knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired throughout the course.
There is a focus on applied learning, and using industry-standard software and simulation environments, as well as emerging areas like cybersecurity, potential benefits of AI and HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD).
Learners have access to our very own London Stock Exchange Data Lab, with live access to global data, to inform business decisions and financial forecasting.
Please note, we can only respond to enquiries from employers, or individuals with agreement from their employer to undertake an apprenticeship.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Accounting Principles and Systems
You are introduced to the basic concepts of financial accounting, developing knowledge of bookkeeping, accounting adjustments, and final accounts preparation for sole traders and companies. You learn how to record transactions, enter journals in the ledger, and produce accounting reports using an accounting information system. By the end of the module, you are able to prepare a simple set of financial statements, incorporating statement of profit and loss, and statement of financial position for sole traders and companies.
This is a 30-credit module.
You gain the skills you need to work effectively in functions such as credit control and payroll. Learn how to perform periodic reconciliations, manage receivables and utilise the latest technology to produce reports and identify appropriate actions. You also build relationship management skills to confidently liaise with customers, suppliers and accounting bodies.
This is a 30-credit module.
Build on your knowledge of:
• UK legislation
• regulations
• stakeholders
• market trends
• economics
• emerging technology
• external relationships
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
This is a 30-credit module.
Data and Decision Making in Accounting
Use digital tools alongside statistical and management accounting methods to analyse financial information, manage budget processes and provide research-based recommendations.
This is a 30-credit module.
Year 2 core modules
Accounting for Decision Making
Learn how to produce precise financial and accounting management reports, and develop cash flow forecasts. Enhance your abilities in management accounting, budgeting and forecasting. Conduct research, assessing quantitative and qualitative factors to better understand the impact on business performance. Based on your findings, you provide informed recommendations on topics such as costs, profitability, quality and sustainability.
This is a 30-credit module.
Learn to manage tax computations and HMRC returns for corporate and individual clients, using technology to meet digital taxation reporting requirements.
This is a 30-credit module.
You gain skills related to team management including recruiting, developing, and managing finance team members. Develop your ability in strategy and business planning, focusing on analysing financial and non-financial information to identify options and provide recommendations. Learn about the significance of external relationships to the organisation, and how to manage them effectively.
This is a 30-credit module.
Managing Systems and Analysing Data
You learn to manage accounting and financial systems, considering cyber security and data integrity. Learn to use technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and cloud-based applications for compliance and improvement opportunities. Learn how to ensure compliance with legal and organisational frameworks, including internal controls that mitigate risk. Gain appropriate communication skills to present your findings competently to colleagues.
This is a 30-credit module.
Year 3 core modules
Create and maintain internal control systems that monitor and manage potential risks. Learn how to comply with relevant regulatory, governance and ethical codes. Understand the internal and external audit and assurance process.
This is a 30-credit module.
Learn how to enter complex accounting adjustments according to relevant accounting standards, produce accurate financial statements and manage statutory UK requirements. Understand how to liaise with auditors to meet monitoring and reporting requirements, undertake complex transactions, adhere to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and produce single-entity and consolidated group accounts.
This is a 30-credit module.
Financial Strategy and Integrated Reporting
Learn how to identify sources of finance, make decisions regarding capital structure, be aware of risks, and confidently advise on arranging and maintaining credit relationships. You also produce and interpret relevant sustainability reports.
This is a 30-credit module.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
There are four modules a year, delivered through online learning. Two modules are delivered in parallel each semester. Apprentices apply their learning in the workplace to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to succeed in senior accountancy roles. To evidence these, apprentices are expected to engage with at least 6 hours per week off-the-job learning. Apprentices are required to attend in-person exams at our Middlesbrough or London campus
How you are assessed
The course uses various assessment methods to evaluate the tactical knowledge and skills needed for an accounting manager. Exams are the primary mode of assessment for over 50% of the modules, as mandated by professional organisations. Other types of assessments include reports, presentations and portfolios. All modules will provide learners with formal assessments, as well as opportunities to gain feedback on their learning progress so far.
End Point Assessment
At the end of Year 3, apprentices are prepared with guidance on the EPA, including project management, research and data analysis methodologies. As part of the Gateway process, they must then submit a portfolio of evidence of their Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours in addition to a title and scope for a proposed project.
Once Gateway requirements are met, the apprentice will undertake two assessments:
- a 4,000-word project report with a 30-minute presentation and questions
- a 45-minute professional discussion underpinned by their portfolio of evidence.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be accepted on to a degree apprenticeship course you must have support from your employer and meet the course entry requirements.
The course is for learners who can enter with level 3 qualifications in any subject, including those with no prior knowledge of accounting before. These apprentices will study all modules on the course.
Fast-track
Students with a relevant level 4 accounting qualification (such as from the Association of Accounting Technicians) can fast-track, skipping the first year and studying the remaining 2.5 years of the course.
Other requirements include approval from employer and 50% of contracted hours based in England. For apprentices aged 16-18 on the first day of their apprenticeship, a level 2 English and maths (GCSE grade 4/C or level 2 functional skills) remains mandatory before completion.
For apprentices aged 19 and over, the level 2 English requirement is now optional. Training can be included where agreed by the apprentice and employer.
We cannot accept applications from international students requiring a student visa.
Eligibility for apprenticeship funding in England
To qualify for apprenticeship funding in England, an apprentice must meet all the criteria outlined by the Department for Education in the Apprenticeship Funding Rules. These requirements apply to programmes starting between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026.
1. Right to work
The apprentice must have the legal right to work in England.
2. Residency eligibility
The apprentice must meet the residency requirements detailed in Annex A of the Funding Rules. This includes (but is not limited to):
- being ordinarily resident in the UK (or specified territories) for at least three years immediately before the apprenticeship begins, unless a specific exemption applies
- exemptions may apply to individuals with:
- refugee status or humanitarian protection
- permission under the Ukraine or Afghan schemes
- stateless status
- certain family member rights
- pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
3. Visa duration and completion viability
For apprentices with time-limited immigration permission (such as visas), the permission must cover the entire duration of the apprenticeship, including the end-point assessment. If the visa expires before completion, the apprentice is not eligible for funding.
Full details can be found in the official guidance: Apprenticeship Funding Rules 2025 to 2026
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
The overarching aim of this occupation is to adeptly manage and implement accounting and finance systems and processes that empower strategic decision making. Using both technical and technological expertise, professionals in this field enhance all dimensions of accounting and finance within an organisation. Successful graduates can elevate their career in operations management of accounting and finance, providing senior management and various departments with timely financial insights and reports, and ensuring rigorous compliance with internal controls, HMRC guidelines, legal standards, regulations and ethical codes.
